Costa Rica, Central America's paradisiacal diamond, is known for its abundant wildlife and diverse flora and fauna. What's not so well-known is what Christmas in Costa Rica is like. You might even be wondering, "does Costa Rica celebrate Christmas?" The answer is yes, and while it's certainly a magical place at all times of the year, Costa Rica over Christmas is really something special.
There's a reason it ranks among the happiest places in the world: they know how to celebrate. Even when it's not Christmas in Costa Rica, many visitors come to enjoy the country's exuberant culture. The Costa Rican calendar is busy with parades and fiestas from December through May.
Understandably, many people also come to enjoy the country's unrivalled nature, which is something visitors to Costa Rica over Christmas will have abundant access to.
By carefully choosing where to spend Christmas in Costa Rica, you can potentially catch a glimpse of a majestic humpback whale as part of their migration to warmer waters, or see turtles nesting over on the Pacific coast. And because the rainy season just ended, the rainforests are still at their very lush and green best over Christmas in Costa Rica, but you'll be visiting them in the stunning dry-season weather.
Costa Rica during Christmas is vibrant, full of life and special to many in the country who will happily involve you in their traditions. With many travel agencies and tour operators offering Costa Rica Christmas vacation packages, it's an excellent time to visit.
The school year ends shortly before Christmas in Costa Rica, so people around this time are often in high-spirits and may be heading to other areas of the country for their own Costa Rica Christmas vacations. Beaches are enjoyed by all and get busy over the Christmas period.
Christmas in Costa Rica is an important occasion, with Christianity being the country's predominant religion and Roman Catholicism being the official state religion. It is the country's most celebrated holiday, with nativities, impressive light shows and musical performances being enjoyed up and down Costa Rica during Christmas. Families often spend the Costa Rica Christmas holidays together and create cherished memories.
The locals also love adorning their houses and properties with Costa Rican Christmas decorations. In Costa Rica, Christmas decorations include trees, wreaths and nativity figures. These are all regular sights over the festive period and only add to the wonderful colours and views available throughout the country.
For most parts of the country, December is the beginning of the dry season. Due to the many different microclimates in the country, there is no time of year at which every region experiences the same season or weather patterns.
December is the time during which the Caribbean coast is experiencing some of its heavier rains. The Pacific coast, however, is entering its peak season. Due to its proximity to the equator, warm weather is almost guaranteed year-round in all regions. You can certainly expect that in December, as well as plenty of sunshine and clear skies.
Arenal is another area that is entering into a wet season during December, although you can still expect the majority of mornings to offer some clear skies and explorable conditions before the rains close in later in the day.
If you are looking for the best of the weather and the driest conditions at Christmas, head to the Pacific coast. If, on the other hand, you are seeking something specific in a region more likely to experience rain, it may well still be worth the visit, and you may simply have to alter your expectations.
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These model nativity scenes are the central Costa Rican Christmas decorations found inside local homes. Many family members may take part in their creation, and they often decorate them with flowers and fruit. Traditional figures from the Christmas story are integral parts, while some people like to add their own extras, such as houses or different animals.
Trees are a huge part of Christmas in Costa Rica, but a Costa Rica Christmas tree is usually a cypress tree rather than a pine. Artificial ones are also growing in popularity. Some people choose not to buy one and hang lights and traditional Costa Rican Christmas decorations on a palm tree in their garden instead.
Trees are actually of great symbolic importance in Costa Rica during Christmas. One of the most important trees is the one outside the Children's Hospital in San José. It is used to symbolise gratitude and hope for the children and the people of the city. This tradition was started by CNFL, a power company, back in the 1960s.
La Sabana Metropolitan Park, the country's largest urban park and the ‘lungs of San José', also hosts a large Christmas tree each year, courtesy of Coca-Cola.
‘Mass of the Rooster' or Midnight Mass is a common tradition observed as Christmas Eve becomes Christmas in Costa Rica. People dress up and head out to churches around the country. Traditionally, the service lasts around two hours and starts at midnight, but more recent adaptations have seen it start slightly earlier and run for less than an hour.
Surprisingly, the main meal of Christmas in Costa Rica is traditionally eaten after Misa de Gallo. Costa Rica Christmas food commonly includes chicken or pork tamales wrapped in plantain leaves, which are then followed by pastries and desserts. Christmas foods in Costa Rica are typically washed down with eggnog and rum punch, the favoured festive drinks of Costa Ricans.
Among the Costa Rican Catholic population, gifts are said to be brought and left under the tree by El Niño Dios, the baby Jesus. Others credit Colacho with their presents. And who is Colacho in Costa Rica? You've probably already guessed. Yes, this festive folk figure is Santa Claus.
This isn't exactly a festive tradition, but Christmas in Costa Rica does see many people grab their towel and head down to one of the many stunning beaches the country has to offer. It's a great way to relax, take in the festive season and spend time with those you love. It can feel a bit strange to some people, but you can be sure you'll have plenty of jovial company.
In the lead-up to Christmas in Costa Rica, San José is transformed into an illuminated wonderland. A huge parade then takes place, and over a thousand musicians and performers participate. People travel from around the globe to be a part of the event. Costumes, props and themes take inspiration from around the world.
This classic Costa Rica Christmas celebration sees a parade of colourful floats making their way around the streets of San José on December 27th. Flamboyantly costumed participants and dancers entertain the crowds, while bands of all genres can be heard playing here.
Bullfighting is popular in Costa Rica over Christmas, but it differs from what is seen in other countries. Despite the sport's name, it is actually illegal to hurt the bull in Costa Rica, so the events are really about running from the bull and avoiding its advances.
Bringing together a variety of fairs, parades, bars and activities together, Fiestas de Zapote has been running for over fifty years. The main event is the bullfighting at the bullring in the suburb of Zapote, San José. The festival lasts a week and runs between Christmas and New Year.
This Costa Rica Christmas celebration takes place in a popular Pacific coastal town and features great performances by brass bands. Music and dancing create a merry atmosphere celebrated by the whole town. Christmas songs and even a guest appearance or two have been known to grace this jovial occasion.
Held annually on 26th December, the Tope is a national horse parade and celebrates Costa Rica's agricultural industry. The best horses from around the country feature here and talented horse riders show off their skills. Hand-painted oxcarts are also on view.
Often considered little more than a gateway for travellers, Christmas in Costa Rica really lets San José come into its own.
It's the place to feel the culture and season come alive, and it hosts many of the country's most famous festivals at this time of year. If an authentic Christmas in Costa Rica is what you want, then the capital is a great place to be.
Though lacking in some of the more incredible scenery that you can enjoy in other areas, San José gives you the chance to see some of the country's more symbolic and meaningful Christmas trees. You can also catch the dazzling Festival de la Luz, Carnaval Nacional and Fiestas de Zapote.
Though not prime turtle-spotting season, Tortuguero is a real Christmas treat. Narrow winding canals flanked by thriving greenery help you lose yourself in an inconceivable world.
Only accessible by boat or plane, even just travelling to Tortuguero is a thrilling experience. After driving to within 20 miles, a boat is necessary to complete the journey. They are regularly available, however, and once there you feel the benefits. You are now withdrawn from any hustle and bustle and able to immerse yourself wholeheartedly in the beauty of the place.
Spot caiman, iguanas and monkeys from the vantage point of a canoe or boat as you drift peacefully across the still waters. Not the Christmas you're used to. Not a Christmas you'll forget.
North Atlantic St Lawrence whales will be arriving along the coast through the month of December. Once you have finished cruising the inland canals, head out from Tortuguero on a sight-seeing trip and observe some of the largest and most majestic mammals on the planet.
The perfect place to combine beach time with park exploration, Manuel Antonio is known for its rich and abundant wildlife. And it's saying something to stand out for that in Costa Rica!
The forest stretches right down to the beachfront where you will be greeted by clean, white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters that lap gently over your feet. There, you can join the locals in a typical Costa Rica Christmas celebration at the beach. There are few beaches in the world that can rival what you will find here!
Take a guided tour with a professional who can help you spot the more subtle wildlife, or go for a snorkel in the fine waters and marvel at colourful marine life. For the more adventurous visitor, canopy tours are available for a Christmas in Costa Rica you won't ever forget.
The dry, tropical climate of Guanacaste attracts many visitors each year. Amply served by transport links and blessed with countless attractions, it sits in the north-western part of the country, bordering Nicaragua.
With attractions across land and water, mountains and volcanoes, there is no danger of running out of things to do. Over 400 miles of coastline, animal rehab centres and volcanic national parks lead the way in attracting Guanacaste's visitors. It is home to many all-inclusive resorts, which not only makes it popular with tourists and families, but makes it a hassle-free place to spend Costa Rica Christmas vacations.
The region has two main commercial areas, Liberia and Santa Cruz, with a further six tourism development centres surrounding the area. Guanacaste is an area for tourists with surf lessons and a rapidly changing landscape. Hassle-free, sun-drenched days await a Christmas visitor to the region.
The Osa Peninsula in southwestern Costa Rica is a wild region with vast rainforests and exceptional wildlife. At least half of all species living in Costa Rica can be found here!
Jutting out into the Pacific ocean, the Osa Peninsula offers fabulous hiking trails, exhilarating boat trips and unforgettable wildlife viewing. From kayaking to surfing, abseiling to yoga, activities to exhaust and enthral, or relax and regenerate are plentiful and available to all.
The region is developed in a way to support tourism, but maintains a typically Costa Rican feel and hosts many opportunities for the more adventurous explorer to venture off the beaten path and take a more rural journey.
Star attractions include a boat ride to the uninhabited Isla de Caño, a world-class snorkelling and diving destination with immense richness in its waters. Dives to see dolphins and reef sharks here can be booked. Isla de Caño is a truly once in a lifetime Christmas experience!
Famed for its volcano and often explored from the popular tourist town of La Fortuna, Arenal is the place for a picture-perfect Christmas in Costa Rica.
The active volcano was once believed dormant, having shown no activity for hundreds of years. La Fortuna's name is a reference to its fertile lands, and it is now abundant in tourist attractions.
In the local area, many geothermal hot springs are available and are a real attraction for tourists. Imagine Christmas spent soaking in the relaxing and rejuvenating naturally heated waters! Once you are done relaxing, take in the natural beauty of the area, snap a picture of Arenal volcano or head out explore waterfalls, rivers or Lake Arenal for some adrenaline-boosting water sports.
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When it comes to destinations for Costa Rica Christmas holidays, you're spoiled for choice. Rain is rare in most regions of Costa Rica over Christmas, so it really depends what you'd like to see and do.
Christmas in Costa Rica is celebrated all over the country, so feel free to choose other destinations.
Navidad, or Christmas, in Costa Rica is celebrated on December 25th, just as it is in the UK, US and many other countries.
The biggest difference is that Costa Rica during Christmas is not cold. In fact, it's quite the opposite. It's practically summer for most of the country.
Many locals see in the special day by attending Midnight Mass, but you'll see Costa Rican Christmas decorations going up from the beginning of the month.
Christmas in Central America is called Navidad, which is the name used in Costa Rica too. It is similar to the term "nativity" in English, referring to the birth of Jesus.
Christianity is the main religious belief in Costa Rica, where many locals say that it's Jesus who leaves gifts under each Costa Rica Christmas tree, not Santa.
Every country which celebrates Christmas has its own unique customs and traditions. It's only natural to ask, "What is Christmas like in Costa Rica?"
Christmas foods in Costa Rica include tamales, roasted pork and rompope, or eggnog, to drink.
Christmas in Costa Rica shares a few traditions with other countries, like Christmas trees, lights and nativity scenes. But in many other aspects, it's a unique occasion.
Above all, Christmas in Costa Rica is for spending time with family and showing love and gratitude.
For most locals, the actual day of Christmas in Costa Rica begins when the clock strikes midnight. At that time, they're typically in church for Midnight Mass, and will soon go home to eat and exchange gifts with their family.
For visitors to Costa Rica, Christmas decorations go up and festive events often begin around the beginning of December. Some of the biggest events, like the Festival de la Luz, take place a few weeks before Christmas. The day itself tends to be quiet, as people spend time with their families.
Christmas in Costa Rica is celebrated nationwide, but there are a few festive hotspots.
Wherever you are in Costa Rica during Christmas, you can usually find exciting celebrations to attend.
For hot weather on your Christmas vacation, Costa Rica is a great choice. But deciding where to stay in Costa Rica for Christmas depends on a few factors. Firstly, there's your tolerance for heat and rain, and then there are the things you want to see and do.
Look for destinations in the following regions, depending on your preferences.
